Ayodhya: The spirit of the Ramayana came alive on Ayodhya’s Rampath during the 10th Deepotsav celebrations, as a grand procession featuring 21 elaborate tableaux moved through the city amid drumbeats, traditional folk dances and chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’.
The procession presented scenes from the Ramayana, with artists portraying Lord Ram, Lakshman, Mata Sita and Lord Hanuman. Performers from different states added colour to the celebrations through traditional dances, musical performances and cultural displays.
Women artists carrying drums on their shoulders, the rhythmic beats of nagadas and tashas, and energetic performances turned Rampath into a grand cultural stage. Devotees and visitors watched the procession with enthusiasm, with many becoming emotional while witnessing the religious tableaux.
Uttar Pradesh Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh flagged off the procession from Saket College. After covering a distance of nearly three kilometres, it reached Ram Katha Park.
21 Tableaux Depict Ramayana and UP Government’s Development Initiatives
This year’s procession featured 21 tableaux, including seven depicting the seven kandas of the Ramayana and 14 highlighting the achievements and development initiatives of the Yogi Adityanath government.
The Ramayana tableaux depicted key episodes, beginning with Lord Ram’s birth and childhood in Bal Kand, followed by his exile in Ayodhya Kand and forest life in Aranya Kand. Kishkindha Kand portrayed the meeting of Lord Ram with Sugriva and Hanuman, while Sundar Kand highlighted Hanuman’s courage and journey to Lanka.
The remaining tableaux depicted the battle between Lord Ram and Ravana in Lanka Kand and the events of Uttar Kand.
Moving one after another, the tableaux offered spectators a visual presentation of the epic, covering its major episodes.
Government Schemes and Development Projects Featured
The 14 tableaux highlighting government initiatives showcased programmes and projects related to development, welfare and public services.
These included the Jal Jeevan Mission, One District One Product (ODOP), agriculture and animal husbandry, Ayushman Bharat cashless healthcare, Swachh and Harit Uttar Pradesh, Developed India, Uttar Pradesh Police, Mission Shakti, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
Other themes included Atmanirbhar Nari, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and the Defence Industrial Corridor.
Artists representing different states also performed traditional folk dances, adding to the cultural diversity of the procession.
Deepotsav Has Become a Global Celebration: Jaiveer Singh
Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh described Deepotsav as a divine and grand celebration, expressing confidence that the evening’s festivities would set another record.
He said Deepotsav had grown beyond a state-level event and had become a festival celebrated across the world. According to him, the annual celebrations aim to surpass the achievements of previous years.
Referring to the seven Ramayana tableaux, Singh said they offered a glimpse of Ayodhya’s religious traditions, Sanatan heritage and cultural legacy.
Devotees Applaud the Ramayana Presentations
Visitors from different districts of Uttar Pradesh praised the procession and its artistic presentations.
Sushil Kumar from Unnao said Ayodhya had witnessed a remarkable transformation during Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s tenure. He said watching the Deepotsav celebrations and the grand procession had been a memorable experience.
Ram Kumar, who travelled from Jaunpur, appreciated the Ramayana tableaux and the performances by artists. Sushila from Balrampur also praised the live presentation of Ram Katha and the traditional folk performances.
Throughout the procession, spectators lined Rampath to watch the tableaux. Several devotees folded their hands in prayer as representations of Lord Ram passed before them, while chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ echoed across the city.
The combination of religious performances, folk traditions and elaborate tableaux turned the 10th Deepotsav procession into a major attraction of Ayodhya’s celebrations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=RtToJsBhYBatUrym&v=mOuYNSdhjHA&feature=youtu.be
